SAM ROWLANDS, Member of the Welsh Parliament for North Wales, has slammed plans to introduce digital IDs.
Mr Rowlands, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Transport and Infrastructure was commenting after a national petition against the roll out of such a scheme reached over 2.5 million signatures.
Raising the matter in the Senedd he called for a statement from the Welsh Government and asked what discussion had been held with the UK Government on the issue.
He said: “I think that there is a need for a statement from the Welsh Government regarding the potential roll-out of the mandatory digital ID system in Wales.
“Over 30,000 of my constituents in Wrexham, Flintshire and North Wales have signed a petition opposing the introduction of the mandatory digital ID, and many of them have genuine concerns.
“I’d ask for a statement from the Welsh Government on its position, understanding the impact on any devolved competencies, and to understand what discussions had been held with the UK Government prior to that announcement.”
Jane Hutt, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Trefnydd and Chief Whip said: “I’m sure that there will be plenty of time for that kind of discussion and feedback for a proposal that, obviously, is a proposal by the UK Government.
“I’m sure we will have the opportunity to engage with that proposal as it’s taken forward.”
Mr Rowlands added: “I fully support my constituents on this matter and totally oppose the introduction of mandatory ID cards.
“The fact that over 30,000 people have already signed the petition objecting to the scheme just shows the depth of feeling against this idea.
“I am very disappointed but not surprised that the First Minister supports the move as the Welsh Labour Government’s record of wasting money is well documented.
“Wales will be hit hard financially if this goes ahead and it will be the public who will be picking up the tab.
“We have record council tax rises, ever increasing hospital waiting lists and public services like libraries and toilets being closed across Wales. The Welsh Government cannot justify the cost of introducing such a policy.”
